It’s been said that the best ability is availability. If you can’t show up, you can’t contribute. That’s as true in the NBA as it is anywhere else.
Unfortunately, professional athletes have a tendency to get hurt. These young men push their bodies to the absolute limit. Still, some players are more prone to getting injured than others. There are players in the NBA who simply can’t be relied on. It isn’t their fault, but it is something that their teams need to account for.
For example, take Robert Williams III of the Boston Celtics. His place on the injury list has become a foregone conclusion. With that in mind, the Celtics may have to seek a replacement for him soon. How about Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers?
The Trade Proposal
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F/C Al Horford, G Payton Pritchard, F Sam Hauser, 2025 First-Round Pick (BOS)
Boston Celtics Receive: C Jarrett Allen
On the other hand, some athletes stand the test of time. We’re talking about the NBA’s iron men. Somehow, without fail, they’re available – and they don’t seem to age, either.
Look at Al Horford. During the 2021-22 season, he was supposed to look old. Yet, there he was: a pivotal part of an NBA Finals run. During those playoffs, Horford looked like he’d found the fountain of youth. He was running like a man half his age, diving for loose balls, and doing things a man his age has no business doing.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jarrett Allen, Boston Celtics & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
This year, Father Time finally caught up to him. Horford looked a step slower than usual in the 2022-23 playoffs. We need to give Horford his flowers for a remarkable effort two seasons ago. Could the Celtics really trade him for his efforts?
Why The Boston Celtics Do The Deal
Sure. This is a cold business. The Celtics need to do what’s best for them. The only question here is whether acquiring Allen is what’s best.
We think it could be. Allen would be joining Kristaps Porzingis in a massive front-court pairing. That’s perfect – Boston seems to value size. With Jayson Tatum at the 3, Jaylen Brown at the 2, and Derrick White at the 1, they’d have it at every position. Meanwhile, the frontcourt pairing should work. Allen will function as a drop coverage rim protector while Porzingis operates as a weak side shot blocker.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jarrett Allen, Boston Celtics & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
What about Williams III? We’re not sure. If he’s healthy, he could be a key reserve. Acquiring Allen could help preserve him for the playoffs. Either way, Boston can’t afford to continue planning for his health. Should the Cavaliers help them make different plans?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
Meanwhile, there are questions about the fit between Allen and Evan Mobley. In this year’s playoffs, they didn’t look like a good fit. Simply put, the combined spacing between the two is poor. The Cavaliers, in all likelihood, will eventually move Mobley to the 5.
This deal helps facilitate that move. Meanwhile, Horford can play alongside Mobley and also back him up. His versatility could make him a valuable reserve for this team/ Moreover, Hauser is a sweet shooting wing who provides some solid team defense. He’d be a good addition to this roster.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jarrett Allen, Boston Celtics & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Yet, in some ways, this is addition by subtraction for the Cavaliers. The first-round pick they’re acquiring here is more valuable than anything else. The Cavaliers are taking some time to retool here and figure out what works for them. When they do, they can only hope that everyone is available.
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